The Cat Cuddle Café in Red Hill is a place where the term ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ is a badge of honour. The purrfect space for cat lovers the cafe is run by dedicated volunteers who are making a difference in many-a-moggie’s life.
As someone who travels a fair bit it means I’m not the best candidate for owning a cat or dog. But my recent visit to the Cat Cuddle Café meant I got to hang with some feline friends.
I have to admit I was a little curious… what exactly is a cat café? Who goes there? … [Read more...]

Maleny Dairies are known for their top quality milk products in this part of the world. So on my recent visit to Maleny their farm tour was top of my list.
The scenic drive to the farm takes you through the beautiful rolling green hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
I visited on a Monday morning during the school holidays. I arrived a little early to see the cows being fed - the big brown beasties with beautiful eyes all jostled for pole position at the feeding trough. The children … [Read more...]

Gold Coast Food and Wine Tours has just launched, and I was invited to be one of the first to taste test their new Burleigh walking tour!
After driving from Brisbane with my friend Clare, we joined the Saturday morning tour, which started at the sleep-in-friendly time of 10am.
Our host, the ‘food-tastic’ Karen, is a Gold Coast local and self-confessed ‘food fanatic’, her tastebuds have taken her on many grand adventures (early next year she will be eating her way around Japan).
After … [Read more...]

A long weekend means it’s time to get away, so last week I drove south to Yamba - I’d heard a lot of good things and was keen to explore.
It was a beautiful drive, and on the way I stopped at Bangalow for lunch at Choux Choux Patisserie.
I crossed the Clarence River several times on some rather striking bridges, including Harwood Bridge which lifts up to let boats pass underneath.
The Clarence snakes its way through the region, finally meeting the sea between Iluka and Yamba. It … [Read more...]

The Real Food Festival gathers the best artisan food producers from around the Sunshine Coast to celebrate regional flavours and showcase local food – it makes for a great day out with the girls!
My Eat Well Travel Often tour departed Brisbane a little after 8am with a vanload of hungry gals (we all skipped breakfast to make the most of our impending day of feasting). We got to sit back and relax while being chauffeur driven to Maleny.
For me the best part of the festival was making new … [Read more...]

**Warning: If you’ve Quit Sugar then stop reading now. This blog post may be way too much temptation.
I’ve just done the South Bank Dessert Walking Tour – and it was a ridiculously fun way to spend a Saturday morning (even if I now have sugar burn to rival Willy Wonka!).
Karen, our Tour Leader and a fellow foodie, started our tour with a history of desserts. The first apple pie recipe dates from 1381. And in 1740 they made the first cupcake! That Aussie icon the Lamington was created … [Read more...]

Sunspace Café is the best kept secret on the Sunshine Coast
If you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast any time soon I recommend taking some time out to visit Sunspace, a joyous little café I discovered last time I was in town.
Recommended by a local, it is located in a fantastic old building that was formerly a German restaurant. The setting is beautiful, with lots of room both inside and out, a beautiful garden and plenty of grass for kids to run around.
Serving vegetarian, … [Read more...]

This weekend I decided to tick a few things off my list with a visit to the Sunshine Coast. If you are a foodie like me, then I recommend a visit to these two places:
Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Caloundra
I discovered Vicki Taylor and her amazing spices late last year, and was so taken with her amazing cinnamon that I gave packets to my friends and family for Christmas. I decided my trip to the Sunny Coast was going to include a stop at Caloundra so I could check out Vicki’s spice shop – Red … [Read more...]

Ice blocks. They take me back to childhood, and are hard to beat on a hot summers day, no matter what your age.
The other day I met the inspiring woman behind the organic ice block brand Flying Fox
Benna and her husband John launched their ice blocks back in 2009. Originally from the UK, they were in awe of the top quality fruit available here in Australia and identified a gap in the market for a range of quality ice blocks. Patience and determination lead to their success (the … [Read more...]

In the midst of silly season, when everyone is eating way too many Christmas mince pies and dealing with fuzzyhead hangovers, I have embarked on my first ever juice fast. Why you ask? Well, there are several reasons:
I’m curious to see how my body responds to fasting
I currently have the time and the inclination
I feel like I need to rejuvenate/detox
I’m half way through my fast and happy to report that all is going well. Maybe I feel a bit low on energy, but I guess that’s to be … [Read more...]

Are you a food tourist? Then you’re in the right place…welcome to my blog

I'm Shannon, a not-so-flightless Kiwi, living in Australia. I'm busy makin memories... and doing my bit for regional food tourism. Last year I converted a Toyota Estima for a taste of vanlife (I call her Geisha). I share my adventures and the special moments I capture with my camera. And I host most excellent gatherings for fabulous ladies who like to wine and dine. Make yourself comfortable and have a read... Eat Well Travel Often my friend
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